National Level Crossing Risk Reduction Programme – Barnt Green Footbridge

Barhale Construction Services Ltd were contracted by Network Rail (with Kier as the principal contractor) to fabricate and install a new double-span footbridge near Bromsgrove, North Worcestershire. The existing footbridge needed to be replaced with a new, higher structure so overhead lines can run underneath to power electric trains.

The project was part of a £100m Network Rail investment to electrify the lines between Barnt Green and Bromsgrove in the north of Worcestershire. The existing structure remained open for station pedestrians, whilst the project was being carried out.

National Level Crossing Programme – Kemps Footbridge

Barhale’s subsidiary, BCS Fabrications, were contracted by Network
Rail (with Kier as the principal contractor) to design, fabricate and
install a new footbridge near Balcombe in Sussex, as part of the overall
National Level Crossing Programme (NLCP). Kemp’s foot crossing,
which links the B2036 road with Stumble Field Wood and Balcombe
village, was used previously to cross the dangerous 90mph main
Brighton railway on a bend.

Network Rail were under pressure from the local authority to maintain
a local right of way, but with only three disruptive possessions
available during the final quarter of 2014, it provided a sizeable
challenge to complete the construction in the shortest time possible.

Yews Lane Bridge Replacement

Barhale were awarded this design and construct project by Network
Rail, to replace the railway bridge along Yews Lane in Helsby, Cheshire.
This occupation bridge provides the only access route to Hope Farm.
Having failed its capacity assessment, there was a need for it to be
replaced due to the weight limits imposed. This stopped vehicles in
excess of 6 tonnes accessing the farm, creating problems with feed
and livestock movements.

The scope of work comprised demolition of the existing bridge,
design, fabrication and installation of the new structure. Design was
undertaken by our sub-consultants, Crouch Waterfall and Partners,
whilst all other key elements were delivered in-house, including
fabrication of the new steel deck at our fabrication workshop in
Walsall.

Roundtree and Greenford Road

Barhale were contracted by Network Rail to undertake a construct
only package of two schemes in North London. The first scheme on
Roundtree Road involved the demolition of an existing footbridge, the fabrication and installation of a replacement steel structure, as well as the construction of associated foundations, footpath and
fencing.

The second scheme on Greenford Road consisted of the
refurbishment, grit blast and painting works to an existing footbridge,
as well as de-vegetation and brickwork repairs.

Riversdale Swing Bridge

Barhale were awarded this £1.1 million contract to replace a pedestrian footbridge. The project saw the replacement of a dilapidated non-functioning timber swing bridge across the River Weaver with a 28 tonne steel bridge, incorporating a rotating 32.5 metre section. The bridge is restricted to pedestrian and cycle traffic only and was manufactured by BCS, Barhale’s in house fabrication workshop in Walsall.

Due to the extremely restricted access to the site, the only means of bringing in plant, equipment, materials and the bridge components was down the river on pontoons. The bridge sections were delivered to the wharf at Hartford Bridge (1.5 miles upstream of the site), lifted by crane onto the pontoon and moved down river by a tug, before arriving at the site and being lifted into position.

Charing Station Footbridge

To introduce cost saving efficiencies within their own organisation, Network Rail engaged Barhale through the NR route team, as part of the Kent Route Project DIME, rather than using the traditional NR Infrastructure Projects route. This was the first time that this project management route had been implemented.

The scope of the project was to construct a new steel footbridge within Charing Station to replace a life expired Exmouth type structure; the scope included its demolition/ removal following the successful installation of the new bridge.

Design and build project from GRIP stage 3 to 8 and involved gaining planning approval for the repositioning of the new bridge from the district council. Barhale working closely with our designers Tony Gee & Partners, the design we developed incorporated BCS fabrication’s extensive experience of fabricating steel footbridges.

The new bridge was scheduled to be installed and the existing concrete structure dismantled during a 57 hour OROR possession 21st to 22nd September 2013. This date was successfully met.